I've been cruising Tobago for years and it really is the jewel of the Caribbean. With its numerous anchorages, Tobago offers an idyllic and unspoilt cruising ground for anything from a week (if you are in a rush) or for a month or more if you are running on Tobago time. Secure, safe and quiet havens reminiscent of the Caribbean twenty years ago.
Reputedly the island of Robinson Crusoes, Tobago is host to the oldest protected rain forest in the Caribbean which in turn is host to over 400 species of birds, over 600 species of butterflies and around 100 species of mammal. A nature lovers paradise, the island is littered with beautiful waterfalls, stunning vistas and golden sandy beaches.
Tobago, like Trinidad, takes its annual carnival seriously to the point that preparations start in earnest in January. The festivities continue until Easter, with local harvest festivals and culminates with the Easter goat racing at Buccoo.
Other annual events include the Jazz Festival at Pigeon Point, the islandwide Heritage Festival, Sail week at Crown Point, the Blue Food Festival at Bloody Bay and the Dive Festival at Speyside and Crown Point.
Tobago is the drift diving capital of the eastern Caribbean with pristine coral and a wide ranging fish population. It is also home to one of the largest brain corals in the western hemisphere. I try and get back as much as possible to take part in the events.
There are services here if you need them too - Store Bay Marine Services is based at the main anchorage at Store Bay. Run by John and Katy Stickland, we found it a great place to get help and advice. They also have WIFI, laundry and engine mechanics - its worth checking them out - they even have a great book swap!

Would you mind giving us the "straight dope" on the formalities in T&T? I've heard lots of horror stories about clearing in and cruising permits, to the point that we've avoided the place, though we'd really like to go.
Thanks